Petition to Ban Confederate Flag from Walton County Courthouse

[Jdarg]

[FONT=&quot]This effort to remove the flag is the 4th attempt since 2002, not a knee-jerk, join the band wagon attempt. The effort failed 5-0 in 2002, 13 years ago, and again notably the year after Jeb Bush took it down at the capitol. What better time to try again than now?



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[Leader of the Banned]

I think the bull rush was due to the fact that very few people including myself even knew about the flag. This petition would have easily gathered this many signatures in this short amount of time a year ago if the word had gotten out. As for asking opinions, no reason to see which way the wind is blowing if you honestly believe your stance is strong and principled. I don't think anyone who signed the petition is surprised at all by the backlash, but oh well....

 

[Teresa]

This effort to remove the flag is the 4th attempt since 2002, not a knee-jerk, join the band wagon attempt. The effort failed 5-0 in 2002, 13 years ago, and again notably the year after Jeb Bush took it down at the capitol. What better time to try again than now?

I do agree. But I can also see how it's such a heated topic throughout the southeast right now. Now seems like the time. Maybe so.

Interesting. I've never heard the issue raised here.

 

[Misty]

I'm not sure what was insensitive about posting historical facts about the flag, how other communities are dealing with the issue, and so on. Remember, Daniel Uhlfelder and the NAACP tried to get the county to take it down in 2002. He, like many of us, knew that attitudes had not changed since that time. Which is unsettling when you think we are one of the last places on earth that flies that flag on government property.

I find it very interesting that Mr. Uhlfelder's grandfather was/is Jewish and was one of the few Jews who escaped Nazi Germany just prior to the Holocaust. One would think that Mr. Uhlfelder would be just as adamant in regard to other "historical adornments" that are also attached to the Courthouse as he is to that flag. IMHO.

When Doris Johnson spoke at the South Walton Annex she asked the Commissioners to search their hearts and asked how they would feel if the situation were reversed. One could also ask that same question about the other historical adornments that sit on Government property and try to consider how those of differing faiths that also live and work in Walton County feel. Of course if you're Christian it doesn't have the same impact as it would for a person of Jewish faith...and that's where I personally run into those issues of hypocrisy.

Tallahassee movers and shakers (some who own property in South Walton) have also signed on. Barry Richards is a very prominent attorney in Tallahassee and his wife is the Democratic Chairwoman who fights for values of Florida's middle class families. Ironically, the people who are trying to save the flag are from North Walton and are predominately "middle class". Seems sorta contradictory.

"I'm embarrassed to live in a community that flies a symbol of the worst period of hatred and disunity in our country's history," Richard, who owns a home in Santa Rosa Beach, wrote in the comments section on the change.org petition site.

I also have to wonder why people would purchase property here if they are so embarrassed by a symbol that has flown over this county for more than 50 years?

 

[Misty]

P.S. By Mr. Uhlfelder's own admission he "saw this as an opportunity" (yes that's a quote) and I'm inclined to agree with him...very opportunistic indeed.

 

[Leader of the Banned]

I also have to wonder why people would purchase property here if they are so embarrassed by a symbol that has flown over this county for more than 50 years?

Uhm, Probably because it's not a deal breaker?

 

[Leader of the Banned]

P.S. By Mr. Uhlfelder's own admission he "saw this as an opportunity" (yes that's a quote) and I'm inclined to agree with him...very opportunistic indeed.

Good for him.

 

[Teresa]

I may be more concerned about our sheriff cars right now. Another thread. #justiceforall #serveandprotect

 

[Misty]

I may be more concerned about our sheriff cars right now. Another thread.

Been there. Done that.

 

[Jdarg]

I may be more concerned about our sheriff cars right now. Another thread. #justiceforall #serveandprotect

I'm most concerned that there are sheriff cars at the BCC this morning. Cindy Meadows has assured us there will be plenty of security. I hope she meant outside too.